When Ashley first suggested this topic, I was hesitant to participate. If I talk about what I love about my body, that means I need to revisit how I got here. Which means bringing up some painful feelings that I continue to struggle with on a daily basis. But the best way to deal with these things is to confront them head on, right?

I've always been an athlete. As a child I was a gymnast and a runner. I started to notice that my friends and I didn't share the same body type. My thighs were bigger. Much bigger than my friends. I remember when I was 8 years old, sitting next to my best friend in church. Our legs dangling beneath us, flattened against the wooden bench. I thought, "Wait a minute, why are my legs so much bigger than hers?" And that's where it all began; comparing myself and my body to others. It wasn't just the comparing, it was how I accepted their bodies as the norm and my body as the odd and strange one. To this day I struggle with comparisons.

Here's what I know to be true. We are all different. My body is different from yours. But that doesn't mean that mine is somehow below standard or not normal. I did that to myself. I told myself that and then I believed it. So, I take responsibility for how I feel about my body today. I love every part of it. Even when I feel down, I know that it's up to me to feel better.

I love my strong legs and my athletic body. If I wasn't so strong I could never do this:

Or this:

And I'm proud and confident and celebrate my curves and my muscles. Because that's me. That's who I am. And I love this body!

Now it's your turn. Love the body you're in. Don't waste a second of your life telling yourself bad things about your shape. We are in charge of how we feel about ourselves. Remember that when the hormones kick in or your day gets difficult.

No, really: curves and muscles are nothing to be embarrassed about; they should be a source of pride. Ultimately what matters is physical health and self-happiness. You've got both and we should all admire that.

Awesome post and man you should LOVE your body. Aerial ropes is an intense challenge, I've taken a few classes and really enjoyed them... but man, they were a serious workout :) How incredible that your body allows you to do such amazing things

i honestly had that exact same moment. i was sitting on a bench at a park, with a few girls from my soccer team and i remember thinking the exact same thing. and i was young...too young to think that way. you are gorgeous and i can't believe the sheer strength it must take to do what you so!

So true! Being a gymnast always made me feel bigger than everyone else, but it was just because I was so much more muscular so I actually enjoyed it most of the time, ha ha. It meant I was better than some of the boys in gym class ;) [I would always beat everyone in the fitness tests, except for the mile...http://www.closet-fashionista.com

I'm so glad you decided to write this. I, for one, LOVE your body. I'd kill to have your thighs (I've been doing lunges and they're shaping up a bit...so maybe someday...I can have the Tracy thighs). I remember having the leg comparison moment, too. I also remember looking at this girl's thighs when I was sitting next to her in high school, and I was like, "Huh. They're kinda big!" But she was still a pretty, popular girl. So that was kind of the turning point for me. I realized that, O-M-G, you can be beautiful and gorgeous AND still have bigger thighs. Amazing.

I think the biggest shame is that, right now, athletic bodies aren't trending. Slim toothpick limbs and bones and ribs are what's considered most beautiful to seemingly most people in the U.S. And that's probably the media's fault.

I'm glad you decided to participate- thank you :) It's so interesting how something I see as such a positive attribute (strength and muscle) can be viewed so differently by others. I'm happy to hear you're learning to love it :)www.saysskippy.blogspot.com

I guess I always had the opposite problem -- I have always been smaller than everyone else, so everyone made fun of me for having a teeny tiny baby body. I mean, I love it now, but I always thought I was, like, underdeveloped or something. P.S. You know I love seeing picture of you doing your thaaaaaaang, girl.

Muscular thigh women unite! I can totally relate to the comparing thighs story. Sometimes I still find myself doing it - you know, force of habit. :-) Thanks for the comment on my blog. I have to admit, I was nervous to post about Loving My Body, but I'm glad I did.

What a great post. I know my sister has gone through these struggles too as a gymnast when she was younger, then rugby and now running. She, like you, has gotten to a really healthy place and embraces her strength :)

Thank you for your lovely comment about the tattoos :) It can be hard to let go of what others think but empowering when you do :)

WOW, girl! I can't believe that is you!!! That is so freaking amazing - I'm speechless! I used to dance so I have nothing but awe and respect for your strength and flexibility! Thanks for sharing these pics :)I also just love this post - it's such a beautiful reminder to all of us, girls...we can get so caught up in the media portrayal of what is "beautiful" that we neglect taking care of and loving ourselves. It is a constant struggle, but I hope that we can continue to support and love one another (especially here in blog-o-sphere) :)

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About Me

Tracy Miller, Fashion Consultant, Wardrobe Guru, Closet Shopper based in Oakland, CA.
Whether you need a simple closet consultation or a full day of guided
shopping, I'll help you find the perfect look to suit your body and
lifestyle. Visit my website at theclosetshopper.com.